Commons’ ex-Speaker, Bercow Hints He Will Join House Of Lords
John Bercow dropped a massive hint that he will join the House of Lords in his retirement from Speaker of the House of Commons in an interview with Alastair Campbell.
The ex-Speaker explained “it is the norm” for Speakers to become Lords in their retirement. He said he would “be inclined to do so” if offered the position. But there are reports someone in Government is blocking him from the role.
The former aide to Labour leader Tony Blair asked if Mr Bercow would join the House of Lords.
Speaking to Alastair Campbell on GQ, Mr Bercow replied: “Well if I was invited to go to the House of Lords, I guess I would.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
Mr Campbell added: “What about these stories that their is someone in the Government who thinks you’ve been such a bad boy they’re going to punish you by not getting you there.”
Mr Bercow added: “Well I’m not going to conduct a public debate about it.
“One just has to wait and see.
“It’s been the established convention for a very long time.
“I think Speaker after Speaker has gone to the House of Lords on retirement as Speaker.
“I think Whitley in the 1920s didn’t because he didn’t wish to do so.
“But otherwise it has been the norm.
“If the opportunity arose I would be inclined to do so.
“But one has to see what happens in due course.”
Mr Bercow is the first Commons Speaker in 230 years not to be offered a peerage on leaving office.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly planned to defy the convention which gives Speakers automatic elevation to the House of Lords when they resign.
Insiders said Mr Johnson felt blocking his entry to the upper chamber would will be the perfect riposte to a Speaker he blames for also ignoring Parliamentary precedent when dealing with Brexit.
A source close to the Prime Minister said: “No one in this Government will be rushing to give Bercow a peerage.
“He likes to think of himself as a reforming Speaker, yet he’s been dogged by scandals and given up any pretence he is impartial.”
